The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has placed five northern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on high alert due to the risks of glacial lake outbursts caused by rising temperatures and heavy rainfall.
The districts include Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, and Upper Kohistan. Officials warned that melting glaciers could lead to flash floods, landslides, and sudden flooding in low-lying areas.
Authorities have instructed local administrations to closely monitor sensitive glacial locations, activate early warning systems, and prepare evacuation plans along with fully equipped emergency shelters. These steps are aimed at improving readiness and reducing potential damage.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay cautious, avoid unnecessary travel near rivers and streams, and follow official instructions. Emergency teams have been placed on high alert, with machinery and equipment already deployed where needed.
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PDMA’s Emergency Operations Center is fully functional, and citizens can report emergencies through the helpline 1700. Tourists and travelers have also been advised to stay away from high-risk areas until the situation improves.